PITTSBURGH -- Long removed from postseason contention, the Pittsburgh Pirates have their sights fixed on 2018. Five of the eight position players who started for the Pirates on Sunday were rookies, a few of whom contributed to a 4-1 win over St. Louis that damaged the Cardinals' playoff aspirations.

The kids will get further opportunities starting Tuesday when Pittsburgh opens a two-game interleague series against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park. But one source of optimism for next season has been the recent play of a veteran, outfielder Starling Marte.

A cornerstone of the franchise, Marte was suspended for 80 games in April after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Not only did the Pirates miss the presence of the 2016 All-Star, he struggled on the field after his return in July.